Kochi, Aug 18:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kochi on Saturday morning to take a stock of the flood situations after incessant rains and floods continued to wreak havoc in Kerala. The Prime Minister arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday night and was received by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers.

The Prime Minister along with Pinarayi Vijayan will conduct an aerial survey of flood-ravaged Kerala today. Later in the day, both the leaders are expected to hold talks before leaving for Delhi. The Centre has assured the state of assistance due to the floods and rains. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had previously announced immediate relief of Rs 100 crore.

The Chief Minister on Friday informed that a total of 2,23,139 people are staying in over 1,500 relief camps put up by the state. In an appeal on Twitter, the Chief Minister has appealed the people of Kerala and other parts of the nation, along with the Indian diaspora abroad, to generously donate to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF).

On Friday, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office said the death toll had mounted to 324, with over two lakh people left displaced. According to the government estimates, a total of 2,23,139 people have been shifted to more than 1,500 relief camps. The flood situation in Kerala further worsened with many areas inundated and flight operations suspended till Saturday at Kochi airport.

Incessant rains have been battering Kerala as the southwest monsoon advances through the country. While the intensity of rainfall activity reduced over Kerala on Friday, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rain in isolated places on Saturday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2018 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).